How Do I Stop My Dog From Farting?

When it comes to dogs excessively farting, Dr Chris Blair from Greencross Vets Faulconbridge says he commonly treats three causes. Without a diagnosis from a vet, it can be difficult to determine which one is affecting your pet.

Poor diet

While it may be tempting to feed your dog leftovers, it’s not the best idea.

Dr Blair says the most common cause for farting is due to a particular food type that is not being properly digested.

“Identify the food, remove that food, and that will fix the problem,” Dr Blair says.

To help put your dog on a healthier diet, visit your local Greencross Vets to discuss what super premium foods are most suitable for your dog.

Your dog may also be eating their food too quickly and gulping down air in the process. Slow down their eating habits with an anti-gulp bowl.

Abnormal digestion and obesity

Even if you are providing your dog with all the right foods, it may still suffer from a farting problem due to abnormal digestion.

“Often this problem is associated with certain breeds, such as German Shepherds, and weight loss with pasty diarrhoea,” says Dr Blair says. “Your vet will need to conduct pathology tests to determine the cause.”

It’s also important to make sure your dog is getting enough exercise as trim dogs tend to fart less than overweight ones.

Worms

Dr Blair says while whipworms are not as common a problem these days due to modern medicine, they could still be the reason behind your dog’s bowel problems if you haven’t wormed your pet recently.

“All worm tablets are effective against whipworm, so if you have not wormed your pet in the last few months, check with your vet about getting a suitable wormer,” he says.

“There are many tablets that claim to be all wormers but which in fact do not treat whip worms” Ask your vet – they will make sure you get the right worming tablet that is both safe and effective. If the farting gets better after the worming then repeat the worming every three months.”

Intestinal Infections

Some intestinal infections, like Giardia, are associated with chronic diarrhoea, as well as farting. So, if your pet is farting and has loose motions, it is wise to get your vet to investigate possible causes. Other intestinal infections include Salmonella and Campylobacter, which can be associated with raw chicken meat.

Before you visit the vet

Dr Blair says you can help both your vet and your pet by going to the appointment prepared.

“Take along a fresh poo sample in a clean jar – about a teaspoon is plenty,” says Dr Blair.